Alaska, Sept 19 (Alliance News): The US Army has deployed soldiers to Shemya Island, located southeast of Alaska, as part of a “force protection operation” due to anticipated increases in Russian and Chinese military exercises in the region.
The deployment, which occurred on September 12, involves elements from the 11th Airborne Division, also known as the Arctic Angels.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has reported intercepting Russian military aircraft near Alaska four times over the past week as part of these exercises.
The Army’s move to Shemya Island is intended to demonstrate readiness and a “lethal force” in response to growing military activities in the region, according to Maj. Gen. Joseph Hilbert, commanding general of the 11th Airborne Division.
“As the number of adversarial exercises increases around Alaska and throughout the region, including June’s joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol, the operation to Shemya Island demonstrates the division’s ability to respond to events in the Indo-Pacific or across the globe, with a ready, lethal force within hours,” Hilbert said.
The Pentagon has stated that while the Russian aircraft have not entered US or Canadian airspace, the situation is being closely monitored.
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh reassured that these activities are not considered a threat to the US or NATO, noting that they are part of routine tracking.
The increased military presence and exercises come amid ongoing tensions with Russia and China, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine. The Biden administration has sought to improve high-level communications with China, but relations remain strained.
